Did you know strawberries are native to Florida?
 
They are a perennial ground-cover that occurs throughout most of the Eastern US. Not only do they produce delicious fruit that we all know and love, wild strawberries are a host plant to the Gray Hairstreak Butterfly. Its dainty white flowers attract bees and butterflies and the summer fruits are favorited by wildlife and people.
 
General Information
Status in Florida: Native
Native Habitat: Open woodlands, meadows, and roadsides
Native States: Widespread across the United States and Canada
Growing Zones: 3-8
Size at Maturity: 6-12 inches tall, spreading through runners
Phenology: Deciduous
Life Cycle: Perennial
Growth Rate: Moderate
Growth Habit: Groundcover, spreading via stolons
Bloom Season: Spring
Bloom Color: White
 
Growth Conditions
Sunlight Requirements: Full sun to part shade
Soil Texture: Well-drained sandy or loamy soils
Soil pH: Slightly acidic to neutral
Moisture Requirements: Average moisture
Tolerance to Salt Spray: Low/None
Keystone Plant: No
 
Landscape Considerations
Recommended Landscape Uses: Groundcover, edible landscaping, wildflower gardens
Maintenance Tips: Minimal maintenance; remove runners to prevent unwanted spreading
Considerations: Prefers well-drained soil; avoid overly wet conditions
Hurricane Wind Resistant: Yes
Erosion Control: Yes
Nitrogen Fixing: No
 
Other Information
Edible: Yes (the red, fleshy part of the fruit is edible)
Pet Safe: Yes
Deer and Rabbit Resistance: Yes
Historical Medicinal Uses: Not commonly used for medicinal purposes
Florida Native Companion Plant: Asarum canadense, Cunila origanoides
Wildlife Benefit: Provides food for birds and small mammals
Caterpillar Host Plant: Yes
Propagation: Seed, runners, division